Penn Proposes Major Water Infrastructure Overhaul
Opposition Representative Marlon Penn has unveiled a five-point proposal aimed at resolving persistent water supply challenges across the Virgin Islands. The plan recommends expanding reservoir storage capacity to a one-week supply, developing localized desalination plants, and overhauling distribution pipelines. It also calls for restructuring the territory's primary water production contract when it expires.
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has presented a comprehensive proposal aimed at addressing the ongoing water reliability challenges in the British Virgin Islands. Outlined as part of the National Democratic Party's "Water Solutions That Work" initiative, the plan features five major structural recommendations to overhaul the territory's water generation and distribution network.
A central element of Penn's plan involves a significant expansion of water storage capacity across the territory. For Tortola, the proposal aims to increase existing storage reserves from an estimated six-hour supply to a full seven-day reserve. Primary storage at Sabbath Hill would be expanded to hold three million gallons, complemented by upgraded secondary reservoirs at Zion Hill, Fort Hill, Hannah Hill, and Balsam Ghut.
Storage enhancements are also proposed for the Sister Islands, targeting Minton Hill on Virgin Gorda, the Settlement on Anegada, and Little Harbour on Jost Van Dyke. To reduce distribution bottlenecks, Penn recommends decentralizing water production by redeveloping desalination facilities at Cappoons Bay, Sea Cows Bay, and Road Town, rather than transporting supplies exclusively from the eastern end of Tortola.
The proposal also includes installing a dedicated compact desalination unit at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park to service cruise vessels. Additionally, the plan calls for a structured, phased replacement cycle for aged and damaged distribution pipes using proper materials to minimize line loss.
Penn's fifth recommendation targets the territorial water supply agreement originally established with Biwater, now operating as Seven Seas. The proposal advocates for renegotiating a more accountable and sustainable contractual arrangement once the current term expires. The push for comprehensive reform comes amid ongoing public frustration regarding frequent service disruptions throughout various communities.
The government has simultaneously reported progress on its own infrastructure agenda, with Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer previously noting investments into rebuilding reservoirs at Long Bush, Zion Hill, and Carrot Bay, alongside ongoing pipeline upgrades aligned with road reconstruction projects.
Primary source: BVI News